Statistics published today have shown that there were 114 homicides recorded by the police in Scotland during statistical year 2007-2008.

The figure is analogous to the previous year, during which 119 were recorded.

The majority of victims of the homicides were young males aged between 16 and 30. In 48 percent of homicide cases, the death was caused by a "sharp instrument". Forty-five per cent of the 148 persons accused in homicide cases were reported to have been drunk or on drugs at the time of the killing.

Justice Minster Kenny MacAskill released a statement immediately afterwards codemning what he called "bevvy and blades culture", and claimed that the Scottish Government were taking steps to tackle knife crime.

"We are working with the Violence Reduction Unit on tougher enforcement and changing attitudes to knife carrying," he said.

" Action such as Medics Against Violence which will see senior medics from across Glasgow giving up their time for free to work directly with young people on the dangers of carrying a knife."